Florida Makes 3 Arrests in ‘Operation Rent-to-Burn’ Arson Crime Ring

Three additional people have been arrested for their various roles in an arson-for-profit scheme that took place over 7 years in three Florida counties, according to a statement from Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis.

Members of the crime ring allegedly played various roles when conducting an arson-for-profit scheme, fraudulently collecting at least $187,000 in insurance payouts by setting seven residential structures on fire between 2009-2016 in Miami-Dade, Lee and Collier County.

The investigation was initiated after authorities received information from Citizens Insurance regarding falsified receipts in support of an insurance claim for a fire loss. This investigation revealed that multiple individuals had conspired to rent residential properties, and after obtaining renter’s insurance, intentionally set the homes on fire for economic gain. The fires were set in such a manner that responding fire departments did not suspect criminal activity, the statement said.

The investigation revealed the following locations were intentionally set on fire:

“Insurance fraud, especially arson-for-profit schemes, can drive up Floridians’ insurance rates and pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods and communities,” said Patronis. “Protecting Floridians is our top priority and the collaborative efforts exhibited during this investigation by state and local law enforcement is nothing short of remarkable.

The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is a law enforcement branch of the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services that conducts statewide fire, arson and explosives investigations. The bureau asks Floridians who believe they may have information surrounding these fires to contact the Arson Tip Hotline by calling 1-877-662-7766. Callers can choose to remain anonymous and any information that leads to a prosecution may be eligible for a cash reward.

Source: Florida Department of Financial Services

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